Estate agents are there to support you throughout the process of selling your house. With a daunting and potentially lengthy process ahead, asking your estate agent the right questions will help to ensure that you stay informed throughout the process, giving you more agency in the decisions you make and allowing you to sell your property with confidence. 

What questions should you ask your estate agent when selling your house? 

Here are the top ten questions you should ask your estate agent when selling your house

1. How much is the property worth? 

It may sound obvious, but understanding the value of your property will be the foundation of your sales process. Estate agents can provide an accurate estimate of the property’s value (based on factors including location, size and condition of the property) which can serve as a guide price during the sales process  

2. Is the property ready to market? 

Understanding whether or not your property is market-ready is vital to ensuring that it appeals to prospective buyers. Your estate agent can identify any maintenance issues that may be a concern during viewings, giving you the chance to make last-minute renovations before taking the property to market. 

3. What price should I ask for? 

Everyone wants to get the most that they can for their property. Estate agents can give you a realistic expectation of how much a property like yours sells for, and it’s best to use this information to guide the price you decide to ask for. 

4. Have you sold other properties in the area? 

If estate agents have sold properties in the area where your property is based, they will have a clear insight into the valuations of similar properties in the area. They’ll also be able to provide information on how much the properties in your area have sold for versus their initial asking price, which will give you a better understanding of the demand for properties in that area. 

5. Is now the right time to sell? 

Estate agents can help you to maximise the marketplace to secure the best sale. Whilst it can be tempting to try and time the arrival of your property on the market, it’s important to remember that everyone else will be doing the same. Estate agents will be able to advise you on the best time to enter the market, identifying the sweet spot that ensures potential buyers with not too much competition. 

6. What are the selling fees and when are they due? 

Understanding the selling process, as well as any potential fees, will help you to manage your financial planning during and after the sale of your property. You should ask your estate agent which fees apply to your sale and when they are due to avoid any costs coming at unexpected times. In some contracts, fees are paid upfront, whilst others are paid as commission once the property is sold. 

7. How long will the contract last? 

It’s a good idea to ask your estate agent how long you will be tied to the contract you sign before you sign it. The majority of agents will have outlined in your contract that your property will remain with them as a sole agent for 16 weeks, but the time frame can vary. Establishing this period allows you to begin marketing your property with another agent in the event that your property doesn’t sell within this window. 

8. Who will conduct the viewings? 

Though some sellers do conduit viewings themselves, estate agents are best placed to conduct the viewings for your property. Estate agents have extensive knowledge of the local market, which is as important to prospective buyers as it is to you as the seller. Ask your estate agent about their policy on viewings, whether they conduct them and if there is an additional charge. 

9. How will agents share feedback on viewings? 

If your estate agent is handling the viewings for your process, it’s a good idea to check with your agent how you will receive feedback after viewings and when you can expect the feedback. Thought from prospective buyers, both positive and negative, can give you the chance to better highlight the property’s attractive features or to make improvements before the next viewing, increasing the likelihood of a quick sale. 

10. Can you recommend solicitors to work with? 

Selling your home can be a stressful process, especially if you’re part of a chain with many buyers and sellers and just want to reach the point where you can exchange contracts quickly. To help streamline the process, you can ask your estate agent for recommendations on a solicitor or conveyancer who can support you throughout the sales process. Estate agents will be able to recommend trusted solicitors that they’ve worked with before, ensuring your sale is smooth and efficient.

Selling your house with Michael Anthony 

The team at Michael Anthony is here to make selling your home a smooth and stress-free experience. From making a quick and easy sale to securing the best possible valuation, our experienced estate agents will guide you through every step of the process. We’ll be on hand to answer all of your questions, offering practical advice about the market and making recommendations to ensure you make the right decisions. Our goal is to make your home sale as efficient and hassle-free as possible so that you can focus on the exciting next steps in your life. 

Find out more about how we can help you secure the best sale of your property: get in touch with the team at Michael Anthony today. 

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